Well, hello!
2025 is off to an awful start, what with Democracy in its death throes and a country divided more times over than a single pizza in an orphanage. It's times like these that we must resist the evil authority, fight back and keep fighting. We must also not lose our marbles or be devoured by the darkness, so it is in that spirit that I was so very delighted to perform in
Dennis Hensley's The Mismatch Game on Saturday night!
I enjoyed it so much because it was such a release to enjoy all of the laughter and an impromptu sing-along of Robyn's Dancing On My Own! I've been involved with this show for over 20 years, much thanks to muh DAB, Dennis Hensley, and I am very grateful. Not only am I helping raise funds for the
LA LGBT Center, keeping my promise to myself that I'll do something on stage at least once a year, getting entertainment while I entertain, but I am also getting a chance to work and be with people I love and admire. This time I got to work with Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, Felix Pire, Tom Lenk and Melissa Peterman. I met Melissa many years ago while I was hosting and co-producing a show called 15 Minutes of Fem. For the big Finals night, the big guns would be called in to host, that was Melissa, who was starring as Barbara Jean on REBA at the time. Over the years, through my former DAB (Still bestie, but now married), Brett Freedman, Melissa and I saw each other socially now, and then.
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Here we are at a recent birthday celebration
Then I got a call one day that led to a co-star role on REBA in a scene featuring Melissa. My single line was cut out of the final edit, but you still see me plain as yogurt. That was in 2007 and I hadn't worked with Melissa, though I saw her socially, until this past Saturday night. I don't know what the difference is between hanging out and working with her, but it makes me feel more legitimate, I guess. I get that feeling with other Mismatch panelists, big time, but I don't know how or why it sparks differently with Melissa. Maybe it's because she was a special guest who hadn't done the show since 2008...
Melissa as Rena Z.
Whatever the reason, this weekend's show felt very special to me, especially because of the horrible state of the union. In addition to how it helped me, we helped the Center by raising $4,100 during the course of the night! Anyway, here are some pics of the show, to prove I ain't lyin'!
Maybe this hottie in the audience is why it felt special...
Jackie Beat as Bea Arthur
Sherry Vine as Rue McClanahan
Melissa Peterman as Rena Z.
Felix Pire as Antonio Banderas
Tom Lenk as Tilda Swinton
John Carrozza as Greg Evigan
Host, Dennis Hensley
Of course, there were other delicious audience members, who were a delight to see after the show!
Unfortunately, the hunky shirtless audience member left before I could abduct get a picture with him.
So there it is, Mismatch Game February 8, 2025!
Or next show is in June for our Pride edition, so mark your calendars! (Sorry Google, it still exists)